Mabel Cecelia Sholtys

Mabel Sholtys, 93, died Nov. 14, 2016,
at Washington Odd Fellows.
Mabel was born Nov. 26, 1922, in Moxee,
Wash., to Albert and Laura Rabie. She graduated
from Toppenish High School in 1941. She had
a gifted, artistic talent and designed the décor for
several high school events. She was especially proud
of designing a Wizard of Oz “Emerald City” theme
for her senior prom. She also worked for a photography
studio detailing and adding color adjustments to
professional photos. After high school, she attended
business college in Yakima.
She met John Sholtys at a dance in Toppenish and
they were married on June 10, 1952. They made their
home in Walla Walla where she was a homemaker,
raising their three children. She also worked parttime
as a grocery clerk at Wade’s Thriftway and later
at Storrer’s Market. She retired in 1976 to enjoy being
a grandmother and to also pursue her love of oil
and acrylic painting. Her favorite subjects were scenic
paintings of ocean shores or mountain landscapes.
Mabel was a member of the WSU Inter-City Homemakers
Group. Besides art, she enjoyed baking, sewing,
gardening and traveling with her family. She
was an avid card player and loved pinochle. She was
the life of any party and truly enjoyed spending time
with family and friends.
Shortly after her husband’s passing in 2006, she was
diagnosed with progressive dementia. Through it
all, Mabel maintained her amiable, cheerful attitude.
Her faith was very important to her and she always
looked forward to joining in prayer and reflection at
Eucharistic visits with Kathy Martuscelli. Her years
at Eagle Springs Memory Care were contented and
happy as she continued her love of arts and crafts and
participated in all the activities until she was no longer
able due to declining health. She recently transferred
to Washington Odd Fellows as she required a
higher level of care. She was so loved by her family
and friends and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Ron
and Debbie Sholtys of Clarkston; daughter and sonin-
law, Janice and Ron Ayres of Walla Walla; youngest
son, Richard Sholtys of Pasco; granddaughter, Christine
(Allen) Alexander; grandsons, Tyler Salmon and
Dillon Ellis; three great-grandchildren. She was preceded
in death by her husband; and three brothers.
Viewing and visitation will be held at the Herring
Groseclose Funeral Home, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016,
at 11 a.m. until after the recitation of the rosary at 6
p.m., with Sister Helen Mason Officiating. A funeral
mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, at
the Assumption Catholic Church with Father David
Gaines, Celebrate. Vault interment will follow at the
Mountain View Cemetery of Walla Walla.
Memorial contributions may be made to Walla Walla
Community Hospice, The Alzheimer’s Association or
a charity of the donor’s choice through the funeral
home, 315 W. Alder Street Walla Walla, Washington
99362. Family and friends are invited to sign the online
guest book at www.herringgroseclose.com.